Justin Brownlee: More than just Ginebra’s cornerstone

Hundreds of imports have donned the colors of the second-oldest professional basketball league in the world. Still, one player has made a significant mark that stretches beyond just being a team’s reinforcement.

Justin Brownlee already established his legacy in the league, capturing the hearts of Filipino basketball enthusiasts with his versatility as a scorer and delivering standout performances every time he suited up for the Philippines.  

Brownlee’s countless accolades and years of brilliance have solidified his name in the game. 

The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player has displayed no signs of slowing down his gears as he is just one title away from becoming the winningest import in the league. Brownlee is expected to essay another blood-pumping performance as he and the Gin Kings seek to subdue the defending champions of last year’s conference with flying colors.

His age was also never a hindrance to keeping his engines running and expanding his plum collection.

As one of the driving forces that steered Ginebra into the team they are today, Brownlee instilled humility and maintained himself grounded despite the massive career fame. His humble nature is a true testament to why he is endeared not just by everyone but by his teammates as well.

“He is such a nice guy and such a great teammate. His teammates love him,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Cone also praised Brownlee as a true competitor as he believes that their long-time import plays for his teammates more than himself. A distinctive skill that sets him apart as one of the best.

“He is humble and he is quiet, but there is that deep part of him inside that is really competitive. He really likes to win, and I think he really likes to win just so he could see his teammates be happy. Because he really loves his teammates,” added the winningest coach in PBA history.

The duel match will feature a face-off between the two decorated imports in addition to Ginebra and TNT competing for the conference title.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson will lead the charge for the Tropang Giga as they pursue to reprise their title and blast off the Gin Kings’s offensive edge with their strong defensive strategy. 

Despite some people perceiving this series Finale as Ginebra’s brewing retaliation match against TNT, Brownlee downplayed it and has nothing but only positive words to say about Hollis-Jefferson. 

“He is an incredible player and TNT is a great team,” commended Brownlee. “They got a great history in the PBA and we got a lot of respect, but we got a lot of confidence in ourselves as well. We know it is going to be a tough battle. RHJ is one of a kind import.”

Whether he wears Barangay Ginebra or Gilas Pilipinas jerseys, JB’s incredible playing abilities and commitment to his teammates demonstrate why he is regarded as the G.O.A.T., Greatest of All Time.

“I was a guy that came and gave my all, gave my best, and hopefully I can inspire younger kids or whoever. Just go out there and be motivated and inspired to do your best no matter the circumstances are,” remarked Brownlee in reference to the legacy he wants to leave behind.

“Everything is not always going to be great, but even through tough times, just keep pushing through and keep working for a greater purpose,” he concluded.

The PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup Finals will kick off tonight, October 27, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga will square off in the highly anticipated best-of-seven title series. 

Brownlee, backstopped by a solid support crew in Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Maverick Ahanmisi, Stephen Holt, and rookie RJ Abarrientos, has the chance to change the course of events and use the setback they stumbled upon in last year’s Governor’s Cup as motivation to reclaim the throne.